The FLASH study

Probiotics are good bacteria, when consumed regularly can impart a range of health benefits. They are just like the ones found in yoghurt, and can be purchased over the counter.

We want to find out if taking a probiotic capsule every day for 8 weeks can improve wellbeing in adults aged 25-65. To do this, we will give people either a probiotic or placebo (corn powder) capsule to test whether the supplement works.

• Eligibility and screening questions online (10 minutes)
• Taking a probiotic (or placebo) for 8 weeks
• Providing 2 self-collected saliva and fecal samples (we will send out the kits and return postage packs)
  
• Having 2 bloods collected (at a site near you)
• Answering mid and end of study questionnaires online using your phone tablet or computer (10 minutes)

This means if you complete all parts of the study you will receive a maximum of $300 in gift
vouchers. Gift vouchers will be either MTA or Pak’N’Save gift cards (you can choose which option you prefer. See the participant information sheet for further details.

You are eligible to take part in this study if:

• You are aged between 25-65 years old
• You live in New Zealand and intend to be in New Zealand for the next 8 weeks
• You have not taken antibiotics in the last 4 weeks
• You have not regularly taken a probiotic supplement in the last two weeks
• You have not been diagnosed by a doctor with coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis), or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• You are not taking medication for depression or anxiety that has been prescribed by a doctor
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are not currently taking immunosuppressant medicine, and you are not currently immunosuppressed